Essential ukulele chords for standard G-C-E-A tuning. Clear diagrams for beginners.
The ukulele is one of the easiest string instruments to learn. With only 4 strings (compared to guitar's 6), chord shapes are simpler and your fingers don't have to stretch as far.
Strings
Typical frets
Standard tuning
Open strings chord
Hundreds of pop songs
Stand By Me, etc.
Traditional Hawaiian
The ukulele is perfect for beginners because chord shapes are simple and the nylon strings are easy on your fingers.
The classic ukulele strum is "Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up" (D-D-U-U-D-U). Keep your wrist loose and use your index finger or thumb.
The 4 vertical lines represent the strings (G-C-E-A from left to right). Horizontal lines are frets. Dots show where to place your fingers. 'O' means play the string open.
C, G, Am, and F are the 'magic four' chords. With just these, you can play thousands of popular songs. They're easy to learn and transition between.
GCEA is the standard tuning for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. The strings are tuned G4-C4-E4-A4, with the G string being higher pitched than C (re-entrant tuning).
Chords requiring barre techniques (one finger pressing multiple strings) or stretches are more challenging. Start with open chords like C, Am, and F which use minimal fingers.
Practice 'pivot' fingers—notes that stay in the same position between chords. Visualize the next chord shape before you move. Practice transitions slowly, then increase speed.